Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she will take to restore childcare to adult ratios in childcare and nursery settings.

The department has a statutory obligation to consult on any potential changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework , including any proposed changes to ratios. The department consulted on moving to the Scottish ratios for two-year-olds, from a ratio of 1:4 (one adult to four children) to 1:5 (one adult to five children), as well as how we can provide greater flexibility within ratios for childminders. This consultation closed on 16 September 2022, and the department will respond in due course.